Chill Out: Winter Sports in the Valley

Baby, it’s cold outside! But no matter what season it is, Valley dwellers love to get outdoors and play. Whether you’re a skier or a skater; an ice fisher or boater; we’ve got the lowdown on cool places to stay active this winter

By Shannon Gallagher

Published: 11/16/2010

(page 5 of 5)

SKIING & SNOWBOARDING

Sure, Vermont has some amazing ski resorts just a few hours away. But did you know that right here in the Hudson Valley we have 10 local ski areas — from the tiny Sawkill, one of the smallest facilities on the East Coast, right up to the big and bustling Hunter Mountain, which this year debuts the first six-person chair lift in New York State. So whether you’re seeking world-class terrain, free beginner lessons in a family-friendly environment, or even an arcade with a mechanical bull to keep the kiddies content, it’s time to hop in the car and head to the slopes. Let it snow!

Sawkill Family Ski Center
Kingston. 845-336-6977;
www.sawkillski.com
Vital Stats:
# of trails: 2 # of lifts: 2 (including a hand tow and a 450-foot carpet lift) Longest run: 1,000 feet Vertical drop: 70 feet
Full-day lift ticket: Please call for price (although generally budget-friendly, costs for this season were unavailable at press time).
Don’t miss: Delicious hot cocoa.
Terrain Park: New improvements this year bring exciting challenges for boarders and skiers.
Amenities include: Skiing, snowboarding, tubing, a ski shop, and a snack bar. A new snowtubing run has been added to the mountain this season. Also, a carpet lift, which helps beginner skiers reach the top of the mountain without ski lifts, has been added. Sawkill is open only on weekends and holidays.

Thunder Ridge
Patterson. 845-878-4100;
www.thunderridgeski.com
Vital Stats:
# of trails: 30 # of lifts: 5 (two doubles, one triple, one T-Bar, one handle tow) Skiable acres: 100 Longest run: 1 mile Vertical drop: 500 feet
Full-day weekend lift ticket: $48 adults; $35 seniors and youth six and older; $10 children under six
Terrain park: Enough to challenge enthusiasts of all levels.
Amenities include: Skiing, night skiing, snowboarding, a ski shop, a cafeteria, ski and snowboard instruction, racing teams for ages six to 19, babysitting, and a free shuttle from the Metro North train station. A new magic carpet will be available this season to gently lift you up the mountain on a conveyor belt. Also, a state-of-the-art snow making system has been added, increasing snow coverage to more than 100 acres.
Events:
Feb. 11: Ladies’ Day: This first time event focuses on a day full of women specific activities. Former Olympian Lisa Densmore, will be in attendance. The day will also feature demonstrations on ski equipment specifically made for women, a ski clinic, and lunch.

Vital Stats:
# of trails: 55 # of lifts: 11 (one six-passenger, two quads, two triples, five doubles, one handle tow) Skiable acres: 240 Longest run: 2 miles Vertical drop: 1,600 feet
Full day weekend ticket: $65 adults; $59 ages 13-22; $45 seniors and children seven through 12; $10 children under 7
Best après ski treat: Head a few miles down the road to the little town of Tannersville and indulge in some down home goodness at the Last Chance Cheese shop — a restaurant and shop rolled into one.
Check out: The brand new six-passenger ski lift — the first one in New York State.
Save big bucks: Buy gas at participating Getty/Lukoil stations four times and receie a free lift ticket.
Two terrain parks: Include a half pipe, rails, and other features.
Amenities include: Three distinct ski areas plus snowboarding, tubing, snowshoeing; a ski shop; learning center; health spa; more than 10 eateries and three drink venues; day care services; slopeside lodging; and many area hotels, B&Bs, and inns.

Brewster Ice Arena
Brewster. 845-279-2229;
www.brewstericearena.com
Open year-round. Adults $7, children (under 12) $5. Skate rental $3. Public sessions: Daily, check Web site for seasonal schedule information.
This massive northern Westchester ice mecca is open all year and has three separate ice rinks, a restaurant, and a gym, among many other amenities: a skating school with hockey clinics, group lessons, Future Rangers Beginner Hockey and Mini-Mite program, birthday parties, the Skating Club of Brewster, Recreational In-House and Travel Hockey Teams for adults and teens, Players Restaurant & Bar, and a pro shop.

Windham Mountain Adventure Park
Windham. 518-734-6974;
www.windhammountain.com/
mountain/skating
Open through March 21, 2011. Adults $10.
Skate rental $5. Public sessions: Daily, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., 1-3 p.m., 4-6 p.m., and 7-9 p.m.
This quaint open air skating area is located right near Windham’s famous snow tubing. Warm up next to the open-air fire pit.

Skiers at Windham Mountain can take their pick from almost 50 trails, then defrost over a good meal in one of the many onsite restaurants